Putney, a realm of calm away from London’s hustle and bustle. This one-time riverside village has long since been swallowed up by London proper, but the legacy of leafy lanes and vast Victorian homes lives on. The area attracts families and young professionals who are drawn to its beautiful properties, peaceful neighbourhoods, and easy access to green spaces.
Top attractions
- Putney marks the start of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. Join the crowds and line the four-and-a-quarter mile course from Putney Bridge to Mortlake to take in all the action. Enjoy a drink or two at The Boathouse beforehand.
- On a sunny day, pack a picnic and head down to Bishops Park. With views of the Thames, this park is one of the borough’s most popular and well-used, complete with playgrounds, a skate bowl, sculpture garden, tennis and basketball courts, a Spanish War memorial garden, and two meadows.
Top restaurants
- Tried & True is a vibrant neighbourhood cafe serving delicious coffee, New Zealand wine, and beer and boasts a globally inspired menu with artisanal breakfasts. We recommend ordering their halloumi mushroom sandwich, with smashed avo on a toasted brioche bun with sriracha mayo.
- Putney Pies is no ordinary pie shop. Serving quintessential British pies, you can also enjoy an array of beers, ciders, and great music in their downstairs vaulted basement.
- The Dynamo is a home away from home for locals and cyclists. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, we recommend you try one of their popular wood-fired sourdough pizzas.
Green space
Putney boasts an array of easy to access green spaces. Residents can head down to the riverside to enjoy the historic Wandsworth Park or the smaller Leader’s Gardens Park, also next to the river and features excellent tennis facilities, a playground, and small cafe.
Heading up Putney Hill brings you out onto Putney Heath. This historic 400-acre area of open land is popular for dog walks and weekend picnics and connects with Wimbledon Common to the south and Richmond Park to the west.
Transport links
Putney is very well connected, with some of the best transport links in Southwest London for commuters. Putney Bridge and East Putney are both on the District Line, which takes you in around 10 minutes to Earls Court and around 22 minutes to Piccadilly Circus. Putney train station is also centrally located and part of the South Western Railway network, connecting you to Waterloo Station and the South West.
There are also two useful commuter bus services, the No 22, which goes to Oxford Circus via King’s Road and Knightsbridge, and the No 170, which goes to Victoria.
Fun facts
- Putney Bridge was the second bridge built to cross the Thames. The bridge was first built in 1729 out of wood to connect Putney with Fulham. It had 26 arches (compared to the current version’s five) and was the first bridge to be built over the Thames in central London after London Bridge.
- Putney has been one of the United Kingdom’s most important rowing centres since the second half of the 19th century. It is recognised as the starting point for the annual Oxford and Cambridge University annual boat race, which is what Putney is probably most famous for.
- Formerly a tiny riverside village, the history of Putney is rich. It can claim more than its fair share of famous inhabitants, lined with blue plaques. Some famous names who have lived in Putney are; Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s chief minister, and faithful servant, Comedian Jake Whitehall and Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and leader of the Liberal Democrats to name a few.
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